Re: The second object of the Adyar Theosophical Society
Jul 25, 2007 01:33 AM
by nhcareyta
Dear Cass
Thank you for your comment.
You write, "I couldn't resolve studying corrupted teachings as a way
to the truth."
>From my perspective this is a particular dilemma, which you highlight
so simply and obviously.
Bishop Leadbeater and Dr Besant's version of theosophy, far from
representing or simplifying those teachings of Madame Blavatsky and
her teachers are mostly a corruption and would be considered largely
fraudulent by any but the most diehard follower.
Irrespective of whose we perceive to be correct as "the truth" as you
call it, this fact cannot be denied.
Your statement begs the most pertinent question. Can "the truth" or
any truth come from corruption and fraudulent misrepresentation?
Simply put, how can truths come from lies? The energies are opposite
and antagonistic.
Perhaps one value in studying corruptions is for us to see clearly
how easily our minds are capable of being deceived.
Very kind regards
Nigel
--- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, Cass Silva <silva_cass@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Nigel
> I was trying to source this reference yesterday but couldn't find
it. Thanks. I knew there had to be an explanation of
the "comparative study" issue, as I couldn't resolve studying
corrupted teachings as a way to the truth.
>
> Warm regards
> Cass
>
> nhcareyta <nhcareyta@...> wrote:
> Dear all
>
> In light of recent statements and their implications for the
> Theosophy of Madame Blavatsky and her teachers the following may be
> of some interest.
>
> At the time of Madame Blavatsky's death in 1891 the second object
> said nothing about the study of "comparative" religion.
>
> It read:
> "To promote the study of Aryan and other Eastern literatures,
> religions, philosophies and sciences, and to demonstrate their
> importance to Humanity."
>
> The implications are obvious. She was to be the "connecting link"
> between "esoteric" Tibetan philosophy, elsewhere described as the
> Aryan, Chaldeo Tibetan tradition, and the Western traditions.
> The passage "...and to demonstrate their importance to Humanity"
> clearly shows that she and her teachers had something specific they
> wanted brought to the West.
>
> This object became diluted only in 1896 when it was changed to read:
> "To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and
> science."
>
> This permitted her and their dharma to be compromised by admitting
> all religion and philosophies as equal in value. Whether they are
or
> not is a mute point however their wishes were clear.
>
> In fact in 1878 the object read:
> "The objects of the Society are various?to acquire an intimate
> knowledge of natural law?study to develop his latent powers?
exemplify
> the highest morality and religious aspiration?to make known among
> western nations?facts about oriental religious philosophies?and
> disseminate a knowledge of that pure esoteric system of the archaic
> period, and finally and chiefly, aid in the institution of a
> Brotherhood of Humanity?"
>
> So it can be seen that the later theosophical leaders and decision
> makers in the Adyar Society, including Dr Besant and Bishop
> Leadbeater, changed the object for their own reasons, thereby
> diluting and diverting the real purpose of the original impetus.
>
> It is for each to decide whether this was a wise decision or not
and
> what ramifications flowed from it.
>
> Regards
> Nigel
>
>
>
>
>
>
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